countenance
Cross references: 1. face 2. favor 1. coun.te.nance \'kau.nt-*n-*n(t)s, 'kau.n-t*-n*n(t)s, 'kau.nt-n*n(t)s\ n [ME contenance, fr. MF, fr. ML continentia, fr. L, restraint, fr. (Xcontinent-, continens, prp. of contine-re to hold together obs 1: BEARING, DEMEANOR 2a: calm expression 2b: mental composure 2c: LOOK, EXPRESSION archaic 3a: ASPECT, SEMBLANCE 3b: PRETENSE 4: FACE, VISAGE; esp : the face as an indication of moo d, emotion, or character 5: appearance or expression seeming to approve or encourage 2. countenance vt : to extend approval or toleration to : SANCTION - coun.te.nanc.er n
Webster's English Dictionary